Pocket Tanks

"Pocket Tanks is just plain fun."

Intro:
Pocket Tanks is a simple, fun version of the classic artillery volley game. It is a game in which two little tanks are given 10 weapons each, and have 10 chances to methodically beat the crap out of each other. It is incredibly easy to learn, but takes skill to master. Here's how each of the aspects breaks down:

Fun: 9/10
I first discovered this game on a long car ride. (13 hours) If you need something to keep you entertained, this is your game. It's incredibly short, yet highly addictive. The overall style of the game is just cool. It's not all serious, but it's not cute, either. People get really heated when playing this, even though it's a stupid little tank game. I've actually been mad at the computer when I lost on several occasions, not something you expect from a game like this.

Gameplay: 10/10
The weapons are really fun to use, and the controls are easy, so you can focus on strategy instead of trying to figure out how to work the game. There are two modes: Battle and Target Practice. In Target Practice, you can get used to the game, and try out all the weapons (up to 120 are available) In battle mode, you can face AIs with skill levels ranging from total n00b to pinpoint accurate. You can also play mano a mano, and take on one of your friends. The scoring system is simple and easy to understand.

Graphics: 7/10
The graphics are pretty good, considering this can be run on Windows 98, but they look a bit cartoonish for my taste. The terrain is of course 2-dimensional, but the tanks themselves look pretty good. A lot of the weapons are amazing, an are usually extremely exagerated, but that's just the style of the game. The weapons are pretty well designed, but don't expect them to be realistic.

Sound: 5/10
Ugh. The sound in this game sounds like something out of a bad PowerPoint. The weapon noises themself fit the graphics; they are pretty cool, if not a bit cheezy. The music is where this game goes wrong. It is just plain bad, and doesn't fit the game at all. Thankfully, there is an option to turn it off while leaving the gun sounds on, and that's how I play.

Replay Value: 7/10
Don't expect this game to keep you thrilled for 3 hours on your own. The AI is okay, but it lacks strategy, and even the best is a pushover for experienced players. But, there are other people to play with, and several options like wind and terrain to play with. The weapons don't get old, since they are rotated. If you have a good set of friends to play against, this game can last for days straight.

Overall: 8/10
This game is like poker. It's easy to learn, but it's also possible to be a master. It will keep you entertained during your 10 minutes of spare time from now until eternity. It's free to download the basic version, (www.biltwise.com) and only $16 for the deluxe, which gives you lots more weapons.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/12/06